Landscape lighting systems having interchangeable light diverting elements and light intensity controllers

ABSTRACT

A landscape lighting system includes a light fixture having an LED, a first light diverting element having a first light diversion angle associated therewith, and a second light diverting element having a second light diversion angle associated therewith that is different than the first light diversion angle, whereby the first and second light diverting elements are interchangeable and only one of the first and second light diverting elements are secured over the LED at any one time. The system includes a light intensity controller for communicating with the light fixture. The light intensity controller has a control element that is engaged for selectively increasing and decreasing the intensity of the light generated by the LED.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/836,722, filed Aug. 26, 2015, now allowed, whichis a continuation on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/728,326, filedJun. 2, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,140,414, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/969,183, filed Aug. 16, 2013, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,115,857, which claims benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/718,852, filed Oct. 26, 2012, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/789,449, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present application is generally related to lighting and is morespecifically related to landscape lighting systems and light fixturesused to provide landscape lighting.

Description of the Related Art

Landscape lighting designers and installers typically utilize variouslighting techniques to create a decorative landscape lighting design fora property owner. The selected landscape lighting design matches theproperty owner's preferences, desires, and tastes, and the theme thatexists for the property. Property owner preferences may include safety,security and the beautification of the property's outdoor landscape.

Satisfying a property owner's landscape lighting objectives may beaccomplished using different lighting design techniques. In manyinstances, the lighting fixture used to achieve these objectives is adirectional flood light. Some of the more popular techniques used tocreate an overall lighting design include up lighting, moon lighting,cross lighting, mirror lighting, wash lighting, wall lighting, steplighting, grazing, silhouetting, backlighting, shadowing, path lighting,down lighting, and reflected lighting.

In many instances, landscape lighting designers seek to create acohesive lighting design that is specific to the elements that exist ona specific property. The goal of the installer is to provide a cohesivewell lit scene, and to incorporate other aesthetic lighting techniquessuch as cohesion, visual depth, focal points, shadows, textures,perspective, lighting balance, and symmetry, as well as differentlighting “rooms” and an overall visually interactive space for thesubject property.

Any professional landscape lighting designer knows that light outputlevels and beam selection is extremely important in order to createdepth, dimension, texture, space, focal points and produce a reallyspectacular landscape lighting design. Merely washing all of the plantmaterial, regardless of size, diaphanous or reflective properties,surface textures and the like, at the same brightness washes out andflattens the design so that no lighting design of any consequence willresult. Bad lighting designs result in hot spots, black unlit holes,uneven illumination levels, overly bright spots and under-illuminatedareas. The extreme differences between the contrasting light levelsfatigue the eye and results in landscape lighting that is uncomfortableto look at.

Thus, there remains a need for improved landscape lighting systems andimproved light fixtures that provide improved light intensity controland improved control over the direction of the light. In addition, thereremains a need for lighting systems that enable the beam angle, beamspread and cone of light emanating from light fixtures to be changeable,controllable and adjustable to meet a wide range of landscape lightingneeds. There also remains a need for landscape lighting systems wherebyadjustments to the light intensity level may be made during the day.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a landscape lighting system preferably includes ahousing, such as a light engine slug, made of a thermally conductivemetal, an LED secured to a leading end of the light engine slug, an LEDdriver for controlling operation of the LED, the LED driver being spacedfrom the LED, and conductive wires electrically interconnecting the LEDdriver with the LED. The LED driver may be disposed within the body ofthe lighting engine slug.

In one embodiment, the LED produces white light. In one embodiment, theLED is an XLamp XM-L2 LED sold by Cree, Inc. of Durham, N.C. In oneembodiment, the LED is sold under model number XMLBWT-00-0000-000LT20E8by Cree, Inc. of Durham, N.C.

In one embodiment, the landscape lighting system desirable has aplurality of interchangeable light diverting elements adapted to besecured over the LED, whereby each of the light diverting elements has aunique light diversion angle associated therewith. In one embodiment,the system has light diverting elements with different angles including12 degrees, 24 degrees, 36 degrees, and 60 degrees. In one embodiment, asystem may include a light diverting element that diverts light in arectangular pattern such as a 15 degree×30″ rectangular pattern. In oneembodiment, a system may include one or light fixtures that are used aswash lights with no light diverting element/optic used. In oneembodiment, only one of the light diverting elements is secured over theLED at any one time. The light diverting elements are interchangeable sothat a design can control the diversion angle and/or beam angle for eachlight fixture.

In one embodiment, the landscape lighting system preferably includes alight intensity controller in communication with the LED driver. Thelight intensity controller desirably includes a control element, such asa button, knob, or switch, which enables an operator to selectivelyincrease and decrease the intensity of the light generated by the LED.In one embodiment, the direction of the change in the light intensityreverses each time the control element is engaged so that an operatormay make fine adjustments up and down until a desired light intensitylevel is attained.

In one embodiment, the control element on the light intensity controllerincludes a button, such as a depressible button. In one embodiment, theintensity of the light generated by the LED increases the first time thebutton is engaged and reverses direction and decreases when the buttonis released and then re-engaged. In one embodiment, the intensity of thelight generated by the LED reverses once again and increases the thirdtime the button is released and re-engaged. In one embodiment, thedirection of change of the intensity of the light generated by the LEDreverses each time the button is released and re-engaged (e.g.,depressed). This feature enables an operator to fine tune the lightintensity level using the naked eye and without having to cyclecompletely though the various light intensity levels when makingadjustments. In one embodiment, after the light intensity level has beenadjusted by engaging the button, the light intensity level remainsconstant when the button is disengaged or released.

In one embodiment, the light intensity controller preferably includes anilluminated scale that indicates the intensity level of the lightgenerated by the LED. The illuminated scale preferably ranges from a lowlight intensity level to a high light intensity level. In oneembodiment, the illuminated scale has a different indicator (e.g. anumber) associated with each of the distinct light intensity levels onthe scale. In one embodiment, the scale includes a series of illuminatedelements that are illuminated to indicate the light intensity level. Inone embodiment, the illuminated scale ranges from intensity level one(#1) at the lower end of the light intensity range to intensity levelten (#10) at the upper end of the light intensity range.

In one embodiment, the light engine slug is preferably made of athermally conductive metal and has a flat surface at the leading endthereof. The system desirably includes an LED substrate overlying theflat surface of the light engine slug. The LED substrate may be flat andhave an outer perimeter that matches the shape of the outer perimeter ofthe flat surface at the leading end of the light engine slug. In oneembodiment, a thermally conductive pad may be disposed between the LEDsubstrate and the flat surface of the light engine slug.

In one embodiment, the LED substrate preferably includes one or moreguide pins that extend along a longitudinal axis of the light engineslug. Each of the light diverting elements preferably has one or moreguide pin openings adapted to slide over the one or more guide pins onthe LED substrate. The inner diameters of the guide pin openingsdesirably closely match the outer diameters of the guide pins forforming a friction fit between the guide pin openings and the guidepins.

In one embodiment, the LED driver is preferably disposed within thelight engine slug. The LED driver may include a microprocessor and amemory for storing information about the light intensity leveladjustment and the direction of change of the last light intensity leveladjustment. In one embodiment, the light engine slug preferably has anelongated groove formed in an outer surface of the light engine slugthat extends along the longitudinal axis of the light engine slug. Theelongated groove desirably extends from the flat surface at the leadingend of the light engine slug toward a trailing end of the light engineslug. In one embodiment, the conductive wires electricallyinterconnecting the LED and the LED driver pass through the elongatedgroove.

In one embodiment, one or more fastener openings extend through the LEDsubstrate, and one or more fastener openings are accessible at the flatsurface of the light engine slug. When the LED substrate is mounted overthe flat surface of the light engine slug, the one or more fasteneropenings extending through the LED substrate are desirably in alignmentwith the one or more fastener openings accessible at the flat surface ofthe light engine slug. In one embodiment, one or more fasteners may bepassed through the aligned fastener openings for securing the LEDsubstrate to the flat surface of the light engine slug. The fastenersmay be removed to release the LED substrate from the flat surface formaintenance, repair, upgrade and/or replacement of the LED, the LEDsubstrate, and/or the LED driver.

In one embodiment, the landscape lighting system preferably includes abase for mounting the light fixture. In one embodiment, the basepreferably has a top side and a bottom side, a centrally located supportring provided at the top side of the base, and an articulating knuckleconnected with the base. In one embodiment, the articulating knucklepreferably includes a lower knuckle having a shaft, such as acylindrical shaft, extending from a lower end thereof that is insertedinto the centrally located support ring on the base for enabling 360degree rotation of the lower knuckle relative to the base, and an upperknuckle that is rotatably mounted to the lower knuckle to enable theupper knuckle to be positioned at different angles relative to the lowerknuckle. In one embodiment, the upper knuckle is rotatable about 180degrees relative to the lower knuckle.

In one embodiment, the centrally located support ring on the basepreferably has an annular wall projecting from the top side of the base,the annular wall defining an inner diameter that conforms to thecylindrical shape of shaft of the lower knuckle. The annular wall of thesupport ring desirably has a slot formed therein to define first andsecond edges on opposite sides of the slot, and a threaded openingextending through the annular wall of the support ring that is locatedopposite the slot. In one embodiment a threaded fastener is desirablyinserted into the threaded opening of the annular wall. In oneembodiment, when the lower knuckle shaft is inserted into the supportring and the threaded fastener is tightened, the threaded fastener andthe first and second edges on the opposite sides of the slot exert atriangulation of locking forces on the lower knuckle shaft forpreventing rotation and/or wobble of the lower knuckle relative to thebase.

In one embodiment, the base preferably has three evenly space armsextending outwardly from the centrally located support ring. Each of theevenly spaced arms desirably has a fastener opening extendingtherethrough. In one embodiment, a bump preferably underlies andsurrounds each of the fastener openings on the arms for providing anoffset at the underside of the arms. The bumps have a thickness of about0.200-0.500 inches and more preferably about 0.250 inches. In oneembodiment, the fastener openings on the arms of the base are preferablyinternally threaded openings. In one embodiment, pins are secured to thebase for mounting the base in the ground. In one embodiment, the pinshave threaded upper ends, whereby the threaded upper ends of the pinsmay be screwed into the threaded fastener openings on the arms of thebase for securing the pins to the base.

In one embodiment, the upper knuckle preferably has an upper end with aninner support ring and an outer support ring that surrounds the innersupport ring. The trailing end of the light engine slug is desirablyinserted into the inner support ring of the upper knuckle. The systemdesirably includes a light engine slug fastener that couples thetrailing end of the light engine slug with the upper knuckle, wherebythe light engine slug fastener is moveable between a first position inwhich the light engine slug is free to rotate and move in a longitudinaldirection relative to the upper knuckle and a second position in whichthe light engine slug is locked from rotating and moving in thelongitudinal direction relative to the upper knuckle.

In one embodiment, the system preferably includes a cylindrical shroudthat surrounds the light engine slug. The cylindrical shroud desirablyhas a leading end and a trailing end. In one embodiment, the trailingend of the cylindrical shroud is inserted into the outer support ring ofthe upper knuckle. The system preferably includes a cylindrical shroudfastener that couples the trailing end of the cylindrical shroud withthe outer support ring of the upper knuckle, whereby the cylindricalshroud fastener is moveable between a first position in which thecylindrical shroud is free to rotate and move in a longitudinaldirection relative to the upper knuckle and a second position in whichthe cylindrical shroud is locked from rotating and moving in thelongitudinal direction relative to the upper knuckle.

In one embodiment, the landscape lighting system preferably has acylindrical glare shield having a first end and a second end. The glareshield may have a tubular shape. In one embodiment, the first end of theglare shield desirably has a first end opening surrounded by a firstedge defining a first angle, and the second end of the glare shield hasa second end opening surrounded by a second edge defining a second anglethat is different than the first angle. In one embodiment, the firstangle is about 45 degrees and the second angle is about 25 degrees.

In one embodiment, the glare shield is reversible so that either thefirst end or the second end of the cylindrical glare shield may be slidover the leading end of the cylindrical shroud for selecting the anglededge of the glare shield that projects beyond the leading end of thecylindrical shroud. In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the glareshield closely matches the outer diameter of the leading end of thecylindrical shroud. In one embodiment, a glare shield fastener may beused for securing the glare shield to the cylindrical shroud. The glareshield fastener may be a thumb screw. The inner surface of the glareshield may have a flat, non-reflective coating.

In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a lighting systemhaving a set of interchangeable optics or light diverting elements thatare positioned over an LED light source. Each interchangeable optic mayhave a specific light beam spread such as 12 degrees, 24 degrees, 36degrees and 60 degrees. In one embodiment, the optics may create arectangular optical light spread such as a 15 degree×30″ rectangularoptical pattern or at the designer's discretion no optic element may beused so that a general wash of light can be created.

In one embodiment, guide pins are utilized to mount an optic to an LEDsupport so as to center and accurately align the optic over the LEDsupport without requiring a screw driver, clips, retainer rings and thelike. In one embodiment, from a set of optics having different beamangle spreads, the installer chooses one optic having the desired beamangle, and slides the optic over guide pins. The outer diameters of therespective guide pins preferably closely match the guide pin openings onthe optic to provide a friction fit between the optic and the guidepins. The guide pins hold the optic in place, centered over the LEDlight source.

Unlike many currently available LED directional lights on the markettoday, the lighting systems disclosed herein enable an installer toremove the LED driver and LED light source and optics for service,upgrade, retrofit and/or or repair. The above-listed components areassembled into the light engine slug. The LED driver is connected to alight intensity controller and a power source using a plug connector,such as a pin style socket and plug connector for easy installation andremoval. Electrical connection may also be made using a crimp and heatshrink or other electrical connections. The light engine slug preferablyacts as a thermally conductive heat sink to remove the heat generated bythe LED and the LED driver.

In one embodiment, the shroud is made of hard tempered copper pipe. Thecopper pipe preferably has an inside diameter that fits within 0.010″ ofan inch clearance with a 0.002″+ or − tolerance of the light engineslug, which allows thermal conductance and heat dissipation to theambient air. Bleeding off of heat is critical to the life of an LED. Theclose tolerances between the shroud and the light engine slug along withthe use of thermal grease preferably insures the bleed off of heatgenerated by the LED light source. In addition, a thermal heatdissipating path is formed between the light engine slug and the upperknuckle.

In one embodiment, the light engine slug may be rotated 360 degreesrelative to the upper knuckle. Once an installer decides to use arectangular, oval or other optic pattern that is not circular, there maybe a need to adjust the light pattern so that it is aligned with adesired lighting objective. In one embodiment, the light engine slugfits into an opening at the upper end of the upper knuckle. Once a setscrew is loosened, the light engine slug is freely rotatable 360degrees. Once the light pattern generated by the optic is in alignmentwith the desired light pattern, the installer tightens the set screw tolock the light engine slug in place to prevent further rotational orlongitudinal movement of the light engine slug relative to the upperknuckle. The installer may then secure the shroud and lens cover overthe light engine slug.

In one embodiment, the light engine slug has a wire channel extendingalong the longitudinal axis thereof that allows the conductive wiresfrom the LED board to nest, tucked away from potential damage that couldbe caused when the shroud passes over the light engine slug. The wirechannel or elongated groove is preferably formed in the outer surface ofthe light engine slug during casting of the part, which eliminates thesignificant costs and time requirements associated with toolingoperations.

In one embodiment, the lighting systems disclosed herein enable aninstaller to easily adjust the light intensity level of the LED.Adjustability of the light intensity level is important to achieve thecorrect lighting illumination level according to the particular needs ofthe lighting job. The ability to selectively adjust the light intensitylevel using LED's is a significant improvement over conventional halogenlights or newer LED MR-16 Replacement lamps that have a fixed lightintensity level (e.g., 10 watt, 20 watt, 35 watt, 50 watt halogen or LEDequivalents).

In one embodiment, a lighting system utilizes a quick connect, such as asnap together pin and socket style electrical connector or a pinconnector feature that attaches directly at the base of the directionallighting fixture on the body of the fixture or as integral part of amulti-strand wire contained in a single jacketed wire that both providesthe voltage to the LED driver and also provides the wires for connectionto the light intensity controller. This dimming feature may also beachieved using a wireless interface, signal over power or infrared stylecommunication. In one embodiment, the quick connect plug and/or wiresassociated therewith may have a reflective or glowing strip so that aninstaller may locate the connection with a flashlight at night, whichcan then be removed or kept in place after installation.

In one embodiment, the quick connect electrical connector attaches to ahand held light intensity controller. The light intensity controllerpreferably allows the designer to raise or lower the light intensitylevel of the LED by simply holding down a push button located on top ofthe controller. In one embodiment, the controller cycles from low lightintensity to high light intensity while the button is depressed. Inaddition to the push button feature, the light intensity controller maybe fitted with an illuminated series of LED miniature lights that makeup a scale starting at the lowest level, e.g., 1, and going up to thehighest light level setting, e.g. 10. The visible scale allows thedesigner to set the light intensity level by simply releasing the buttononce the desired light level is achieved. Once the light level is set,the LED driver remembers the selected light level for the life of thelight fixture. The setting may be changed at any time during the life ofthe system. After the light level has been selected, the light intensitycontroller may be disconnected from the light fixture and a cap, such asa simple waterproof cap, may be placed over the quick connector toprotect the connection from dirt, debris and moisture. The cappedconnector may be buried at the base of the fixture or placed in alocation or orientation desired by the installer. The light intensitycontroller may then be used on other light fixtures. The above-describedprocess may be repeated for all of the light fixtures on the property,e.g., the designer selects and uses an optic having a specific beamspread and the designer adjusts the light level of the LED light.

In one embodiment, the light intensity controller enables installers toadjust the light level during the day and not have to wait until theevening when it is dark and difficult to attach the quick connect andnavigate the property without tripping over plants and possibly damagingthe property. The LED scale readout on the controller eliminates thisdesign and installation problem.

In one embodiment, a designer may select extremely low levels of lightand a very wide 60 degree beam spread to wash back yard turf and plantspaces with low evenly dispersed transition down or moon lighting. Themoon lighting allows the client's eyes to easily move across thelandscape, easily transitioning from one lighting scene to another. Thedesigner illuminates a planting bed with varying plant material andlandscape design elements using a slightly higher light intensity leveland a 36 degree beam spread to illuminate the foreground of small 18″ orso plant material. With medium sized plant material, the designer mightchoose a 24 degree beam spread and position several fixtures at an evenhigher light level. For the back most and largest screening plantmaterial, the designer may choose the highest light level and a 60 or 36degree beam spread. Using the above-described techniques, as anobserver's eyes move from front to back, the lighting scene proceedsfrom very low light in the foreground, to low, to medium, and to brightlight at the furthest back point in the design. This lighting patternallows the individual's eye to define both the depth and scale of thespace that is being illuminated. In one embodiment, the designer mayalso use higher light levels to direct the viewer to other parts of thelandscape such as a secret garden, sitting area, pond, waterfall,pathway, statuary, bird bath, etc.

The above example illustrates the importance of light beam spread andlight intensity control that is required to achieve the desired lightingeffects a lighting designer requires when designing a lighting system.

In one embodiment, the interchangeable light diverting elements and thebroad range of adjustable light intensity levels enable a single lightfixture to be extremely versatile with dozens or even hundreds ofdifferent light patterns and intensity level combinations. In oneembodiment, different LEDs and interchangeable colored lenses may beused to create even more combinations of light displays.

In one embodiment, the vast range of beam angles and intensity settingsallows distributors of the lighting systems and light fixtures disclosedherein to eliminate hundreds of Stock Keeping Units (SKU's) andeliminates the need for large standing inventory, which increases theturn and earn ratio of inventory and increases profits for distributors.

In one embodiment, the light intensity may be adjusted as follows: Aninstaller makes final brightness light level adjustments to a lightingdesign. Typically, this involves adjusting the light level of the finaldesign once all the beam angle spreads have been selected. Duringadjustment of the light intensity level, the installer may decide toraise the light level and then decide to lower the level until the exactlight level is met according to the specific artistic taste, design,features, and aesthetic required for the particular lighting scene bythe designer. When the button is pressed again, the direction of thelight change reverses direction. If the installer was increasing thelight level and it was a bit too bright, by letting off the button andthen pressing the button again, the controller reverses direction andstarts dimming the lighting fixture. This allows the installer to narrowin on the exact light level required. This saves a large amount of timefor the designer since other methods of light intensity adjustmentrequire cycling through from low to high and back down to low, which isa difficult method to use for setting a light level because it isdifficult for the human eye to properly gauge. The “narrow down” featuredisclosed herein allows the designer to narrow down the light levelsetting to exactly reach the brightness required for the particularsrequired on the site.

In one embodiment, the light fixture has a reversible glare shield thatslides over the shroud, which is an improvement to a conventional designthat has existed for many years in the industry. In one embodiment, thereversible glare shield have different angles cut at both ends to allowan installer to flip the glare shield over to select the cut off glarereduction that works best for the application. In one embodiment, inorder to minimize light reflection and the reflected light that bouncesoff the inside of the glare shield, no-gloss coating, such as a TEFLONPTFE black matte no-gloss coating may be applied to the inside surfaceof the glare shield to reduce glare. The glare shield preferablyincludes a set screw that allows the installer to set the height (i.e.,longitudinal adjustment) and rotational direction of the glare shield(0-360 degrees) on the shroud.

In one embodiment, a lighting system preferably includes a light fixturehaving a base with a wire slot that enables power and/or control wiresto pass through the wire slot for fast attachment and/or detachment fromthe base. The wire slot feature eliminates the need to feed power andcontrol wires for the light fixture through a hole in the stake. In oneembodiment, the base desirably uses a socket and set screw attachmentmethod for fixing the knuckle to the base, which allows the designer afull 360 degree rotational adjustment and uses a set screw to secureboth the knuckle and the base together. Conventional methods use athreaded IPS connection which twists the wire and causes strain insidethe fixture possibly leading to wire damage.

In one embodiment, the base preferably has ground mounting pins attachedthereto. In one embodiment, the base has three ground mounting pins thatmay be pressed into the ground or soil. In one embodiment, each of thethree pins has a threaded upper end that screws into threaded openingsprovided on outwardly extending arms of the base. The threaded openingspreferably pass completely through the arms of the base. If desired, aninstaller may remove the pins and use the threaded openings in the armsof the base to mount the base onto a surface using standard wood screws,lag bolts or other hardware suitable for the application. In oneembodiment, the installer may drill holes in the arms of the base toaccommodate larger diameter mounting hardware, if necessary. In oneembodiment, the base is made of raw, un-coated Bronze alloy 85-5-5-5metallurgy, with no paint, powder coating, or sealant that may crack,peel or cause the coating of the metal to chip off or peel off when themetal is drilled by an installer and/or left exposed to the outdoorelements. In one embodiment, the base is made of bronze, which agesnaturally in the outdoor elements.

In one embodiment, each of the outwardly extending arms of the base hasa standoff or bump provided on an underside of the arms, which ispreferably in alignment with the threaded openings of the arms. When thethreaded ground-mounting pins are detached from the arms of the base,the bumps elevate the base above the underlying surface to allow thepower and/or control wires to pass freely underneath the base so thatthe wire feeding the light fixture can enter from many directions. Theelevating bumps insure the wire does not get damaged during installationwhen the fixture is screwed in place, such as being screwed to a flatwood or concrete surface (e.g. a deck or wall) thereby providing aninstaller with flexibility when wiring the light fixture to the powersupply by allowing the wire to enter anywhere under the base to feed thelighting fixture. In one embodiment, the bumps have a height of about0.250 inches.

In one embodiment, the knuckle at the lower end of the light fixture issecured to the base using a “no wobble” fastening mechanism. In oneembodiment, the base has a centrally located securing ring that receivesa shaft at the lower end of the lower knuckle. The securing ring of thebase has a wire slot through which the power and/or control wires passto allow the attachment of the base to the light fixture. The securingring has two vertical edges spaced from each other on opposite sides ofthe wire slot to define first and second contact points. A set screwopposite the first and second contact points forms a triangulation oflocking forces that causes the shaft of the lower knuckle to hit threepoints, not two, thus eliminating wobble between the mating of the twoparts.

In one embodiment, the lighting systems includes an LED upgrade orrepair feature that enables an end user or installer to upgrade and/orreplace the LED that was originally installed in the light fixture. Theupgrade and/or replacement may be made at any time after initialinstallation due to lightening, power problems (e.g., power surge),etc., which causes damage to the LED but which does not impact the LEDdriver. The LED may also be replaced to capture advancements in thequality of new LEDs as they become available such as energy savingadvancements, color changing advancements, or yet to be discoveredimprovements. Most manufacturers affix the LED directly to an FR4printed circuit board along with all of the drive circuit components,which make replacing the LED cost prohibitive since all of theelectrical components are attached to one FR4 circuit board. With therapid advancement of LED lighting technology, the lighting systemsdisclosed herein are specifically designed to separate the LED drivecircuitry and the LED into two separate components easily allowing theLED to be removed, upgraded and/or repaired when necessary.

In one embodiment, LED upgrade and/or replacement is accomplished byremoving the screws holding the LED board in place and removing the twowire splice connections that connect the LED to the LED driver. Thus,for a fraction of the price, the installer or end user can replace theLED board, that holds the LED and the light fixture can continue usingthe existing LED drive circuit. Although the present invention is notlimited by any particular theory of operation, it is believed that thisfeature is beneficial due to the rapid advancement of LED technologyregarding energy efficiency, the overall quality of LEDs as a lightsource, the improving stability of the color output, and the lower costof LEDs. As a result, the end user can capture the benefits of new LEDtechnology without having to discard the entire fixture. Only the LEDitself needs to be replaced. In one embodiment, the LED driver may bereplaced to capture new technological advancements.

In many instances, a landscape lighting designer wishes to add glarecontrol, color correction, spread lenses and other beam, glare or colorcorrecting lenses to a lighting fixture. In one embodiment, the opticabuts against the underside of the glass lens, which provides little orno room to add the glare control, color correction, spread lenses andother beam, glare or color correcting lenses to the light fixture. Inresponse, in one embodiment, the present invention enables thelongitudinal position of the light engine slug to be adjusted relativeto the inner ring of the upper knuckle when the outer diameter OD of thelight engine slug slides/nests within the inner diameter ID of the innerring of the upper knuckle. The adjustment of the longitudinal positionof the light engine slug relative to the upper knuckle may be held inplace with a set screw. This particular design allows the light engineslug to drop down when the set screw is loosened to provide extra roomto accommodate the thickness of an Optic, Honeycomb glare Louver,Colored Lens, Dychroic Filter and/or other color or glare correctinglens and still provide the sandwiching effect necessary to hold theoptic and entire inner assembly in place. Once the extra room for theadded lens or piece has been provided, the installer may tighten the setscrew to again secure the light engine slug in place. Loosening the setscrew also enables the installer to rotate the light engine slug 360degrees about the longitudinal axis of the light engine slug to align aselected light pattern.

These and other preferred embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a landscape lighting system includinga light fixture having a base and a light intensity controllerconnectable with the light fixture, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the light fixture shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a glare shield for the light fixture shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows the glare shield and a shroud for the light fixture shownin FIG. 2.

FIG. 5A shows a set of light diverting elements for the light fixtureshown in FIG. 2, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5B shows a top plan view of one of the light diverting elementsshown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A shows an exploded view of a light engine slug for a lightfixture, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B shows an assembled light engine slug and a light divertingelement connectable with a leading end of the light engine slug, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A-7C show a light engine slug, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a light engine slug and an LEDsupport base secured over a flat surface at a leading end of the lightengine slug, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B shows the light engine slug of FIG. 8A with a leading endcoupled with a light diverting element and a trailing end coupled withan upper knuckle of a light fixture, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of an upper knuckle, a lower knuckle, anda base of a light fixture, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 shows a top plan view of the base shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a light intensity controller for alandscape lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 shows a landscape lighting system including a light fixture anda light intensity controller, in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of an upper knuckle, a lower knuckle, anda ground-mounting stake of the light fixture shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a landscape lighting fixture, inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a landscape lighting fixture havinga mounting base, in accordance with yet another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 shows a light fixture having mounting hardware, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17A shows a perspective view of a light engine slug having aleading end with an LED support base secured to the leading end and anLED driver disposed within the light engine slug, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17B shows a rear perspective view of the light engine slug, the LEDbase and the LED driver shown in FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a light intensity controller for alandscape lighting system, in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a landscape lighting systemincluding the light intensity controller of FIG. 18 connected with alight fixture, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a light fixture control circuit thatis incorporated into the light intensity controllers shown in FIGS. 11and 18, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a landscape lighting system 50preferably includes a light fixture 52 having a base 54. The lightingsystem 50 desirably includes a light intensity controller 56 that may beconnected with the light fixture 52 for controlling the intensity of thelight generated by the light fixture.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the light fixture 52 preferablyincludes a glare shield 58, such as a reversible glare shield, having arotatable thumb screw 60. The glare shield 58 is preferably made of anon-ferrous metal such as copper, aluminum, or brass. In one preferredembodiment, the glare shield 58 is made of extruded copper. In oneembodiment, a non-glossy coating, such as a Teflon PTFE black matte,no-gloss coating is applied over the inside surface of the glare shieldto reduce glare.

In one embodiment, the light fixture 52 desirably includes a shroud 62having a leading end 64 with a rolled edge 66 and a trailing end 68. Inone embodiment, the shroud 62 is an elongated cylinder that is madeusing an extruded copper.

The light fixture 52 preferably includes an optical lens 70, such as aglass lens, that is inserted inside the rolled edge 66 at the leadingend 64 of the shroud 62. In one embodiment, the optical lens 70 ispreferably a clear glass lens having no iron or reduced iron elementstherein for providing a high quality, optical lens. In one embodiment,the optical lens 70 sits inside the opening at the leading end 64 of theshroud 62.

In one embodiment, the light fixture 52 preferably includes one or moreinterchangeable optics or light diverting element 72. In one embodiment,each light diverting element 72 preferably has a unique light beam anglespread, such as 12 degrees, 24 degrees, 36 degrees, and 60 degrees. Thelight diverting element 72 may also define a rectangular pattern oflight such as a 15 degree×30 inch rectangular light pattern. As will bedescribed in more detail below, the light diverting element 72 may beone of a plurality of light diverting elements, whereby each lightdiverting element has a unique light angle spread and/or rectangularoptical pattern, which may be utilized by landscape lighting techniciansto generate an aesthetically pleasing light pattern.

In one embodiment, the light fixture 52 desirably includes a lightemitting diode (LED) 74 that is mounted on an LED support base 76,which, in turn, has a pair of guide pins 78A, 78B and a pair of screwhole openings 80A, 80B adapted to receive securing screws 82A, 82B. Thelight fixture also desirably includes LED wires 84 that are connectedwith the LED 74 for providing power to the LED and controlling theintensity of the light generated by the LED.

In one embodiment, the light fixture 52 preferably includes a housing,such as a light engine slug 86, having a leading end 88 and a trailingend 90. The leading end 88 of the light engine slug 86 desirably has aflat surface 92 that seats the LED supports base 76. The flat surface 92preferably includes screw hole openings 94A, 94B that are aligned withthe screw hole openings 80A, 80B on the LED support base 76 when the LEDsupport base 76 is mounted onto the flat surface 92 of the light engineslug 86.

In one embodiment, the light engine slug 86 desirably includes anelongated groove 96 that extends from the flat surface 92 at the leadingend 88 toward the trailing end 90 and along the longitudinal axis of thelight engine slug. The elongated groove 96 is adapted to receive the LEDwires 84 to avoid damage of the LED wires, such as when the shroud 62slides over the light engine slug.

In one embodiment, the light fixture 52 preferably includes a thermallyconductive pad 98 that generally conforms to the shape of the LED base76 and the shape of the flat surface 92 of the light engine slug 86. Thethermally conductive pad 98 preferably includes a pair of screw holeopenings 100A, 100B that are desirably aligned with the screw holeopenings 94A, 94B on the flat surface 92 of the light engine slug 86.The thermally conductive pad 98 desirably has a notch 101 (for the LEDwires 84) that is aligned with the groove 96 when the pad 98 ispositioned on the flat surface 92.

In one embodiment, the light fixture 52 preferably includes an LEDdriver 102 that is disposed within the body of the light engine slug 86.The LED driver 102 is preferably electrically interconnected with theLED 74 via the LED wires 84 for providing power to and controllingoperation of the LED. In one embodiment, the LED driver 102 is insertedinto an opening at the trailing end 90 of the light engine slug 86.

In one embodiment, the light fixture 52 preferably includes an upperknuckle 104 and a lower knuckle 106. In one embodiment, a threaded screw108 is utilized for connecting the upper knuckle with the lower knuckle.In one embodiment, the upper knuckle 104 may be rotated to a range ofangles (e.g. 0-180 degrees) relative to the lower knuckle. Once adesired angle has been selected, the upper knuckle 104 is locked inplace by tightening the threaded screw 108.

In one embodiment, the upper knuckle 104 includes an inner ring 110adapted to receive the trailing end 90 of the light engine slug 86. Theinner ring 110 has a set screw opening 112 passing therethrough. A setscrew 114 may be inserted into the set screw opening 112 and tightenedfor holding the light engine slug 86 inside the inner ring 110.

The upper knuckle 104 desirably includes an outer ring 116 that isadapted to receive the trailing end 98 of the shroud 62. The outer ring116 preferably includes a screw hole opening 118 adapted to receive athumb screw 120. When the trailing end 68 of the shroud has beeninserted into the outer ring 116, the shroud 62 may be rotated 360degrees within the outer ring 116. When a desired angle of rotation hasbeen obtained, the thumb screw 120 may be tightened for preventingfurther rotation of the tube 62 relative to the outer ring 116.

In one embodiment, the light fixture 52 preferably includes a base 122having a central opening 124 provided at a top side thereof that isadapted to receive a shaft 126 projecting from a trailing end of thelower knuckle 106. The shaft 126 may have a cylindrical outer surface.The light fixture 52 desirably includes a lower knuckle thumb screw 126that may be tightened for securing the shaft 126 of the lower knuckle102 to the base 122. The base 122 desirably includes threaded pins 128that may be threaded into openings provided at the outer ends of thearms of the base 122.

The base 122 preferably includes a power cord 130 and a light intensitycontroller connector 132 that may be used for connecting the lightfixture 52 to a light intensity controller as will be described in moredetail below.

In one embodiment, the light fixture has thermally conductive parts thatare in contact with one another for drawing heat away from the LED 74for maximizing the life of the LED. In one embodiment, heat generated bythe LED 74 passes through the LED support base 76 and the thermallyconductive pad 98 for being transferred to the light engine slug 86. Inturn, the light engine slug 86 is in contact with the upper knuckle 104for transferring heat to the upper knuckle. In one embodiment, thetrailing end of the shroud 62 is thermally coupled with the upperknuckle 104 for passing heat to the upper knuckle. The thermallyconductive parts may be made of metal.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment, the glare shield 58 is areversible glare shield having a tubular body 140 defining an innerdiameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shroud62. The body 140 of the glare shield 58 preferably has a length L₁ thatextends from a first end to a second end of the glare shield. In oneembodiment, the length L₁ is about 3-4 inches and more preferably about3.5 inches. In one embodiment, the first end of the glare shield 58defines an angle α₁ and the second end of the glare shield defines anangle α₂ that is smaller than α₁. Thus, the glare shield 58 has angledcuts on both ends that are different for allowing a landscape lightingdesigner to flip the glare shield 58 over to select the cutoff angle forglare reduction that works best for a particular lighting application.The set screw 68 enables the landscape lighting designer to set both therotational direction of the glare shield 58 from 0-360 degrees and theheight of the glare shield on the shroud 62.

Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the body 140 of the glare shield58 slides over the leading end 64 of the shroud 62. In the particularembodiment shown in FIG. 4, the second end of the glare shield 58 withthe second angle α₂ is the end of the glare shield 58 that is slid overthe outer surface of the shroud 62. Until the thumb screw 60 istightened, the glare shield 58 may be rotated 360 degrees around theouter surface of the shroud 62 and the glare shield may movetelescopically along the longitudinal axis of the shroud. Once the glareshield has been rotated into a desired direction relative to the shroud62 and/or moved into a desired longitudinal position relative to thetube, the thumb screw 60 is preferably tightened for preventing furtherrotation of the glare shield 58 relative to the shroud 62.

In one embodiment, the landscape lighting designer may flip theorientation of the first and second ends of the glare shield 58 so thatthe first end of the glare shield with the sharper angle α₁ slides overthe outer surface of the shroud 62. A light designer may make similaradjustments as noted above and then tighten the thumb 64 preventingfurther rotation and/or longitudinal movement of the glare shield 58relative to the shroud 62.

Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the first end 64 of the shroud62 preferably includes a rolled edge 66 that is adapted to receive andseat the optical lens 70 shown and described above in FIG. 2. In oneembodiment, an interior rim or groove may be formed within the first end64 of the shroud 62 for seating an optical lens. In one embodiment, theleading end 64 of the shroud 62 may also seat a colored lens in additionto an optical lens for modifying the color of the light emanating fromthe light fixture.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, a lighting system preferablyincludes a plurality of interchangeable optics or light divertingelements 72A-72D that produce different light beam angle spreads. In theparticular embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of light divertingelements include a first optic 72A that is designed to generate a lightbeam angle spread of 12 degrees, a second optic 72B that is designed toproduce a light beam angle spread of 24 degrees, a third optic 72C thatis designed to produce a light beam angle spread of 36 degrees, and afourth optic 72D that is designed to produce a light beam angle spreadof 60 degrees. Although only four light diverting elements 72A-72D areshown in FIG. 5, other embodiments may have fewer or more lightdiverting elements for producing a different range of light beam anglespreads. The exact number and the specific light beam angle spreadsproduced by the light diverting elements may be modified as necessary tomeet various lighting needs. In one embodiment, one or more of the lightdiverting elements 72A, 72D may include a colored lens covering aleading end thereof. The colored lens desirably produces light having aparticular color. In one embodiment, a lighting system may include aplurality of light diverting elements, whereby each light divertingelement has a different colored lens.

Referring to FIG. 5B, in one embodiment, each light diverting element 72includes a pair of guide pin openings 73A, 73B that are adapted toreceive the guide pins 78A, 78B provided on the LED base 76 (FIG. 2). Inone embodiment, the inner diameter of the guide pin openings 73A, 73Bclosely match the outer diameters of the guide pins for providing afriction fit between the light diverting element 72 and the guide pins78A, 78B provided at the leading end of the light engine slug, as willbe described in more detail herein.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in one embodiment, the LED 74 provided onthe LED support base 76 is secured to the flat surface 92 at the leadingend of the light engine slug 86. Referring to FIG. 6A, in oneembodiment, the thermally conductive pad 98 is positioned over the flatsurface 92 of the light engine slug 86 so that the screw hole openings100A, 100B on the thermally conductive pad 98 are aligned with the screwhole openings 94A, 94B on the flat surface 92 of the light engine slug86, and so that the notch 101 provided at the outer periphery of thethermally conductive pad 98 is aligned with the elongated groove 96 thatextends along the longitudinal axis of the light engine slug 86.

In one embodiment, after the thermally conductive pad 98 is seated atopthe flat surface 92 of the light engine slug 86, the LED support 76 baseis seated over the thermally conductive pad with the LED wires 84passing through the notch 101 in the thermally conductive pad and theelongated groove 96 formed in the light engine slug 86. The securingscrews 82A, 82B are passed through the screw openings 80A, 80B of theLED base 76 and the screw hole openings 1000A, 100B on the thermallyconductive pad 98 for securing the LED base 76 to the flat surface 92 atthe leading end of the light engine slug 86.

FIG. 6B shows the light engine slug 86 after securing screws 82A, 82Bhave been used to secure the LED base 76 to the flat surface 92. Thelight diverting element 72 is then secured over the LED 74 by slidingthe pair of guide pin openings 73A, 73B (FIG. 5B) formed in the lightdiverting element over the pair of guide pins 78A, 78B provided on theLED base 76. The LED wires 84 are desirably seated within the elongatedgroove 96 formed in the outer surface of the light engine slug 86 toprotect the LED wires from damage. Although not shown in FIG. 6B, theouter wall of the light engine slug 86 may include one or more openingsthat enable the LED wires 84 to pass therethrough for being electricallyinterconnected with the LED driver 102 (FIG. 2) disposed inside thelight engine slug 86.

FIGS. 7A-7C show a light engine slug 86, in accordance with onepreferred embodiment of the present invention. The light engine slug 86is preferably made of metal. Referring to FIG. 7A, in one embodiment,the light engine slug includes the flat surface 92 at the leading end 88thereof and screw hole openings 94A, 94B formed in the flat surface 92.The light engine slug 86 includes an elongated groove 96 extending alongthe longitudinal axis thereof. The elongated groove 96 is accessible atthe periphery of the flat surface 92 and is adapted to receive the LEDwires 84 (FIG. 2) for providing power to and control of the LED.

Referring to FIGS. 7B and 7C, in one embodiment, the light engine slug86 has a length L₂ of about 3.9 inches. The light engine slug 86 has alarger diameter leading end having a length L₃ of about 1.250 inches anda reduced diameter trailing end having of length L₄ of about 2.625-2.650inches. The larger diameter leading end has an outer diameter OD₁ ofabout 1.480 inches, and the smaller diameter trailing end has an outerdiameter OD₂ of about 1.125 inches.

Referring to FIG. 7C, in one embodiment, the smaller diameter trailingend of the light engine slug 86 is hollow and is adapted to receive theLED driver 102, shown above in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the outer wall87 of the smaller diameter trailing section has a tubular shape and athickness T₁ of about 0.125 inches. The tubular shaped wall 87 definesan inner diameter ID₁ of about 0.875 inches.

Referring to FIG. 8A, in one embodiment, an LED base 76 having an LED 74mounted thereon is disposed over the flat leading face 92 provided atthe leading end 88 of the light engine slug 86. The LED wires 84 aredisposed within the elongated groove 96 formed in the larger diameterleading end of the light engine slug.

Referring to FIG. 8B, in one embodiment, the LED wires 84 are preferablyelectrically interconnected with an LED driver 102 disposed within theinner chamber of the smaller diameter trailing section of the lightengine slug 86. In one embodiment, the LED wires 84 preferably passthrough an opening in the outer wall 87 of the smaller diameter sectionof the light engine slug 86. The trailing end 90 of the light engineslug 86 is preferably inserted into the inner ring 110 of the upperknuckle 104. Power and/or control for the LED driver 102 may be providedthrough conductive wires that pass through the upper knuckle 104.

In one embodiment an optic or light diverting element 72 having aparticular light beam angle spread may be secured over the LED 74. Inone embodiment, a plurality of light diverting elements having differentlight beam angle spreads may be utilized for modifying the angle of thelight propagating from the LED 74. In one embodiment, the lightdiverting element 72 may include a colored lens covering the leading endof the optic for providing colored light that is different than thelight generated by the LED 74.

Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the light fixture 52 preferablyincludes the upper knuckle 104 that is rotatably mounted to the lowerknuckle 106. The upper knuckle 104 includes the inner ring 110 definingan inner opening that is adapted to receive a trailing end of the lightengine slug 86 (FIG. 2). The inner ring 110 includes a set screw opening112 adapted to receive the set screw 114. In one embodiment, thetrailing end of the light engine slug is inserted into the inner openingdefined by the inner ring 110. The body of the light engine slug may berotated 360 degrees within the inner opening defined by the inner ring110. The light engine slug may also move longitudinally relative to theupper knuckle 104. When a landscape lighting technician has rotated thelight engine slug to a particular desired position relative to the innerring 110, or adjusted the longitudinal position of the light engine slugrelative to the upper knuckle, the set screw 114 may be tightened forpreventing further rotation of the light engine slug.

The upper knuckle 104 also preferably includes the outer ring 116defining a second opening adapted to receive the trailing end 68 of theshroud 62 (FIG. 2). The outer ring 116 includes an outer ring thumbscrew opening 118 adapted to receive the upper knuckle thumb screw 120.In one embodiment, when the trailing end 68 of the shroud 62 (FIG. 2) isinserted into the outer opening defined by the outer ring 116, the thumbscrew 120 may be tightened for preventing longitudinal or rotationalmovement of the shroud 62 relative to the upper knuckle 104.

In one embodiment, the upper knuckle 104 is coupled with the lowerknuckle 106 by passing a threaded screw 108 through an opening 109 inthe upper knuckle 104 and into a threaded opening 107 provided on thelower knuckle 106. After the threaded screw 108 couples the upper andlower knuckles together, and as long as the threaded screw 108 is notfully tightened, the upper knuckle 104 may be rotated relative to thelower knuckle 106. As a result, a landscape lighting technician mayrotate the upper knuckle 104 to a wide range of angles relative to thelower knuckle 106. When a desired angle for the upper knuckle 104 hasbeen attained, the threaded screw 108 may be tightened for locking theangle of the upper knuckle 104 relative to the lower knuckle 106.

In one embodiment, the trailing end of the lower knuckle 106 has a shaft126. In one embodiment, the shaft 126 preferably has cylindrical shapethat is insertable into a central opening 125 provided at a top side ofthe base 122. The central opening 125 is defined by an outer wall 127having a threaded opening 124 extending therethrough. A threaded thumbscrew 126 is insertable into the threaded opening 124. The outer wall127 of the base 122 has a wire slot 129 formed therein that enables apower cord 130 and a light intensity controller cord 132 to passtherethrough. The power cord 130 preferably provides power to the LEDdriver 102 (FIG. 2) and the LED 74 (FIG. 8A) disclosed herein. The lightintensity controller cord 132 preferably includes a connector 135, suchas a plug, that enables the controller cord 132 to be electricallyinterconnected with a light intensity controller 56 (FIG. 1) as will bedescribed in more detail herein for controlling the intensity of thelight generated by an LED.

In one embodiment, when the cylindrical shaft 126 of the lower knuckle106 is inserted into the central opening 125 defined by the outer wall127 of the base 122, the lower knuckle 106 may be rotated 360 degreeswithin the opening 125. When a desired angle of rotation has beenattained, the thumb screw 126 may be tightened for preventing furtherrotation of the cylindrical shaft 126 of the lower knuckle 106 withinthe central opening 125.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in one embodiment, the base 122 preferablyincludes three arms 123A-123C that project outwardly from the centralopening 125. Each of the arms 123A-123C has outer ends with respectivethreaded openings 129A-129C adapted to receive threaded pins 128A-128C.In one embodiment, the lower ends of the threaded pins 128A-128C may beinserted into the ground for anchoring the base 122 to the ground.

Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the outer ends of the arms123A-123C have pads 131A-131C provided on an underside of each arm. Incertain embodiments, the threaded pins 128A-128C may not be utilized andthe pads 131A-131C may be abutted against a mounting surface such as awall or support beam. The pads space the underside of the base 122 awayfrom the underlying flat surface so that the power cord 130 and/or thecontroller cord 132 may pass beneath the base without being pinchedand/or damaged.

Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the base 122 includes the threeoutwardly extending arms 123A-123C and the outer wall 127 defines thecentral opening 125 adapted to receive the cylindrical shaft 126 of thelower knuckle 106 (FIG. 9). The outer wall 127 preferably includes athumb screw opening 124 adapted to receive a thumb screw 126. The thumbscrew 126 may be passed through the thumb screw opening 124 andtightened for abutting against the outer surface of the cylindricalshaft 126 of the lower knuckle.

The outer wall 127 that defines the central opening 125 of the base 122desirably includes a wire slot 133 formed therein that defines a firstcontact point 135 and a second contact point 137. The power cord 130 andthe light intensity controller cord 132 preferably pass through the wireslot 133. The two contact points 135, 137 define two verticallyextending edges spaced from one another on opposed sides of the wireslot 133. The set screw 126 preferably opposes the two contact points135, 137. As a result, the shaft 126 of the lower knuckle is subjectedto a triangulation of locking forces whereby the shaft 126 is locked atthree points of contact rather than two points of contact thuseliminating wobble between the cylindrical shaft 126 of the lowerknuckle 106 (FIG. 9) and the base 122.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11, in one embodiment, a landscape lightingsystem preferably includes a light intensity controller 56 that enablesa landscape lighting technician to control the intensity of the lightemanating from the LED 74 (FIG. 2). The light intensity controller 56desirably includes a light intensity scale 140 that indicates theintensity of the light. In one embodiment, the light intensity scale 140includes a series of 10 LEDs 142A-142J that indicate different lightintensity levels.

In one embodiment, the light intensity controller 56 preferably includesa depressible button 144 that may be depressed for changing the lightintensity and/or the direction of the light. Referring to FIG. 1, thelight intensity controller 56 includes a flexible connecting wire 146having a quick-connect connector 148 provided at the distal end thereof.In one embodiment, the connector 148 is inserted into the connector 135on the light fixture 52 for electrically interconnecting the lightintensity controller 56 with the LED driver 102 disposed inside thelight engine slug 86 (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the electricalinterconnection between the light intensity controller 56 and the LEDdriver 102 (FIG. 2) may be achieved using various communicationprotocols including a wireless interface, a signal over power lineconnection, or an infrared style connection.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11, in one embodiment, the light intensitycontroller 56 enables a landscape lighting technician to raise or lowerthe light intensity level of the LED by simply holding down thedepressible button 144 located on top of the light intensity controller.Initially, the light level setting cycles from low to high while thebutton 144 is depressed. The series of LEDs 142A-142J on the scale 140start from a lower end to a higher end, e.g. from 1 to 10. The scale 140allows a landscape lighting designer to set the light level by simplyreleasing the button 144 once a desired light level is achieved. In oneembodiment, once the light level has been set, the LED driver remembersthe set light level for the life of the light fixture. The setting forlight intensity may be modified at any time during the life of thelighting system. After a desired light intensity level has beenachieved, the light intensity controller 56 is preferably disconnectedfrom the light fixture and the LED driver remembers the set light level.The process may be repeated on other light fixtures by connecting thelight intensity controller 56 with the other light fixtures.

Although the present invention is not limited by any particular theoryof operation, it is believed that the push button 144 and the lightscale 140 on the light intensity controller 56 enable landscape lightingtechnicians to set the light level during day light, which does notrequire the landscape lighting technician to wait until the evening whenit is dark and difficult to attach the light intensity controller to alight fixture without tripping over plants and/or possibly damagingproperty. The LED read out 142A-142J on the scale 140 eliminates thesedesign and installation problems.

In one embodiment, the light intensity controller 56 reverses thedirection of the light intensity each time the button 144 is pressed andreleased. This feature enables a landscape lighting technician to finetune the light intensity level without cycling back completely from thelower end of the light intensity scale toward the upper end of the lightintensity range. In one embodiment, a landscape lighting technicianpresses and holds down the button 144 as the light intensity level goesfrom a lower intensity level to a higher intensity level. When the lighttechnician observes that the light is at a desired light intensitylevel, the light technician preferably releases the button 144 forestablishing the light intensity level. However, upon furtherobservation, the light technician may determine that the light intensitylevel is too high or too low and desire to further adjust the lightintensity level. When the light technician releases and depresses thebutton 144 again, the change in the light intensity switches direction.Thus, if the light level were increasing and it was a bit too bright, atechnician may release the button and then press the button again sothat the direction of the change of the light intensity reverses and thelight starts to dim or become less intense. This feature enables a lighttechnician to fine tune and narrow in on the exact light level that isdesired. This feature also saves a significant amount of time for thelight technician since conventional methods of adjusting light intensitylevels require cycling from low to high and back down to low, which is atime consuming methodology for setting a light level and is difficultfor the human eye to adjust. The fine tuning feature present via thelight intensity controller 56 disclosed herein enables a lighttechnician to narrow down the light level setting to reach a desiredbrightness level required for a particular landscape lighting site.

Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, a light fixture 252 issubstantially similar to that shown and described herein, however, thelight fixture 252 desirably includes a ground mounting stake 255projecting from a lower end of a base 322. The light fixture 252includes an upper knuckle 304 having a connector 335′ adapted to matewith a connector 348 provided at the free end of a flexible lightintensity controller cord 346 coupled with a light intensity controller256. Once the connector 348 of the light intensity controller 256 isconnected with the connector 335 on the upper knuckle 304, the lightintensity controller 352 may be utilized for selecting the intensity ofthe light generated by an LED.

In one embodiment, a connector 335′ for controlling the light intensitymay extend from a lower end of the base 322. The connector 335′ may becoupled with the light intensity connector 348 of the light intensitycontroller 256 for modifying the intensity of the light generated by theLED. In one embodiment, a power cord 330 for providing power to thelight fixture 252 may pass from a bottom of the base 322 and through anopening 257 formed at an upper end of the stake 255.

Referring to FIG. 13, in one embodiment, the light fixture 252 shown inFIG. 12 preferably includes an upper knuckle 304 and a lower knuckle 306that is securable to the upper knuckle using the threaded screw 308. Theconnector 335 is insertable into an opening formed in the upper knuckle304. The lower knuckle 306 includes a shaft 326, such as a cylindricalshaft, insertable into an opening 325 provided at an upper end of thebase 322. The power cord 330 passes through the opening 257 in the stake255 and into the base 322 for providing power to the light fixture 252.The auxiliary connector 335′ may follow a similar path as the power cord330 for enabling a light intensity controller to be coupled with the LEDdriver 302 for controlling the intensity of the light generated by anLED.

Referring to FIG. 14, in one embodiment, a light fixture 452 has one ormore features that are generally similar to the light fixture shown anddescribed herein. The light fixture 452 preferably includes an extensiontube 475 having a lower end 477 securable to a base 522 and an upper end479 with an elbow 481 adapted to receive a tubular shaft of a lowerknuckle 406 as shown and described herein. In one embodiment, the lowerend 477 of the extension tube 475 is rotatable 360 degrees relative tothe base 522. The lower knuckle 406 is rotatable 360 degrees relative toan opening provided in the elbow 481. The lower end 477 of the extensiontube 475 is preferably rotatable 360 degrees relative to the base 522.When selected angles of rotation are attained, thumb screws or screwfasteners may be tightened for locking the components in desiredpositions.

Referring to FIG. 15, in one embodiment, a light fixture 652 has one ormore of the structural features described herein. The light fixture 652preferably includes a base 722 having three arms 723A-723C that areutilized for mounting the base 722 onto a surface. In one embodiment,each of the arms 723A-723C includes an opening, such as respectiveelongated slots 725A-725C, that enable securing elements such threadedscrews to be passed therethrough. In one embodiment, the arms 723A-723Care abutted against a surface, such as a wall, floor, beam or treesurface and fasteners are passed through the elongated slots 725A-725Cfor mounting the base 722 to the opposing object.

Referring to FIG. 16, in one embodiment, a light fixture 852 propagatesLED light having a rectangular pattern. The light fixture 852 desirablyincludes a pan 886 having an LED driver disposed therein. The lightfixture preferably includes a body 862 having an optical lens 870covering a front opening and one or more LEDs disposed within the body862. The light fixture 852 includes one or more power cords and one ormore controller wires disposed within a conduit 875. The power cordsprovide power to the LED driver disposed within the pan 886 and thecontroller wires control operation of the LED driver, which, in turn,controls the intensity of the light generated by the one or more LEDsdisposed within the body 862.

The light fixture 852 desirably includes an adjustable bracket 890 thatmay be used for mounting the light fixture to a fixed object such as awall or post. The light fixture 852 may have one or more LEDs. Theintensity of the light generated by the light fixture 852 may beestablished using the light intensity controller shown and describedherein.

Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, in one embodiment, a light engine slug1086 for a light fixture preferably includes a leading end 1087 having alarger diameter, and a trailing end 1089 having a smaller diameter. Thesmaller diameter trailing end 1089 is preferably adapted to be insertedinto an opening of an upper knuckle and is shown and described herein.

In one embodiment, an LED 1074 including an LED support base 1076 issecured over the flat leading face 1092 of the light engine slug 1086.LED wires 1084 for providing power to and control of an LED extendthrough an elongated slot 1096 formed in the light engine slug for beingelectrically interconnected with the LED driver 1102 disposed inside thelight engine slug. In one embodiment, the LED driver 1102 preferablyincludes a first set of electrical wires 1115 for providing power to theLED driver and a second set of electrical wires 1125 for controlling theintensity of the light generated by the LED 1074.

In one embodiment, the outer wall 1087 of the light engine slug 1086preferably has one or more openings for enabling the LED wires 1084 topass from outside the light engine slug to inside the light engine slugfor being electrically interconnected with the LED driver 1102.

Referring to FIG. 18, in one embodiment, a light intensity controller1256 for a lighting system desirably includes a housing 1260 having alight fixture control circuit disposed therein. In one embodiment, thelight intensity controller 1256 desirably includes an ON/OFF switch 1265for “powering up” the light intensity controller. Although not shown,the light intensity controller 1256 desirably includes one or more powersources, such as batteries, that may be inserted into the housing 1260for providing power to the light intensity controller. When the switch1265 is in the OFF position, no power is provided to the light intensitycontroller 1256. When the switch 1265 is in the ON position, the powersupply provides power to the light intensity controller 1256 foroperating the light intensity controller and the various componentsinterconnected with the light intensity controller.

In one embodiment, the light intensity controller 1256 preferablyincludes a light intensity scale 1340 having a series of ten LED'sranging from ten percent to 100 percent for indicating a range of lightintensity levels. In one embodiment, the light intensity controller 1256has 32 different light intensity settings, however, since the lightintensity scale 1340 only shows ten LED segments, each level isassociated with three of the 32 segments. In one embodiment, when theten percent LED portion of the light intensity scale 1340 isilluminated, this covers settings one through three of the 32 brightnesssettings. In one embodiment, if five LED segments are lit, this coverssettings 14-16 of the 32 brightness settings. In one embodiment, if sixLED segments are illuminated on the light intensity scale 1340, thiscovers segments 13-19 of the 32 brightness settings. Other preferredcircuits may have fewer or more than 32 segments and still fall withinthe scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the light intensity controller 1256 preferablyincludes a depressible button 1344 that may be depressed for changingthe light intensity and/or the direction of the change in lightintensity. In one embodiment, the depressible button 1344 includes anLED light 1345 that indicates whether the light intensity controller isON or OFF. In one embodiment, when the switch 1265 is in the ONposition, the LED light 1345 on the depressible button 1344 isilluminated to indicate that power for the light intensity controllerhas been turned ON.

In one embodiment, the light intensity controller 1256 includesconductive leads 1346 that may be electrically interconnected with alight fixture for controlling the LED driver and/or the LED on a lightfixture.

Referring to FIG. 19, in one embodiment, the light intensity controller1256 may be electrically interconnected with a light fixture 1250 bycoupling the control leads 1346 of the light intensity controller withconductive leads 1335 extending from the light fixture 1250. In oneembodiment, when the depressible button 1344 is depressed, the lightfixture control circuit within the light intensity controller sendssignals through the connected leads 1346, 1335 for adjusting theintensity of the light generated by the light fixture. In oneembodiment, the light intensity increases the first time the button isdepressed. If the depressible button 1344 remains depressed, the lightintensity increases to a maximum light intensity (e.g., 100%) and thenstops at the maximum light intensity level so long as the button 1344remains depressed. If the depressible button 1344 is released and thendepressed again, the change in the light intensity level reversesdirection and begins to move toward the lower end of the light intensitylevel (i.e., the light dims). In one embodiment, if the light intensitylevel is dimming and the button 1344 remains depressed, the lightintensity dimming will stop once it reaches the lower end of the scaleof the light intensity range and will remain at the lower end so long asthe button remains depressed.

FIG. 20 shows the light fixture control circuit 1400 disposed within thelight intensity controller 1256 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. In oneembodiment, the light fixture control circuit 1400 may be mounted on acircuit board such as a printed circuit board and may include amicroprocessor and a memory. In one embodiment, the light fixturecontrol circuit may be adapted for wireless communication.

The control circuit 1400 preferably includes a dimmer controller circuit1402 that is coupled with the ON/OFF switch 1265 and the depressiblebutton 1344 (FIG. 18); a power circuit 1404 that shows how power isprovided to the light intensity controller; and an LED indicator lightcircuit 1406 for the LED 1345 provided on the depressible button 1344(FIG. 18). In one embodiment, all of the circuits 1402, 1404 and 1406are electrically interconnected and in communication with one another.

In one embodiment, the dimmer control circuit 1402 preferably has 32brightness settings. In one embodiment, ten LED segments on the lightintensity scale 1340 (FIG. 18) are proportional to the full range of the32 brightness settings. For example, if five LED segments on the lightintensity scale are lit, the dimmer control circuit 1402 is set between14-16 of the 32 available brightness settings. If six LED light segmentsare lit on the light intensity scale, the 32 brightness settings are atthe 17-19 range of the 32 available brightness settings.

The depressible button 1344 (FIG. 18) on the light intensity controlleris in communication with the dimmer control circuit 1402. Each time thedimmer control circuit senses that the depressible button 1344 (FIG. 18)has been depressed, it switches the dimming direction. The circuit 1402continues dimming or brightening as long as the depressible buttonremains depressed.

In one embodiment, the circuit 1400 uses the same two wire interfacethat commands the fixture to change intensity level, and to measure thedim setting (via voltage measurement). In one embodiment, the circuitmeasures voltage to determine the intensity setting and then illuminatesthe appropriate number of LED segments on the light intensity scale 1340(FIG. 18).

In one embodiment, the light intensity scale 1340 and the LED light 1345on the depressible button 1344 are internally powered using one or morepower sources such as batteries placed within the light intensitycontroller. In one embodiment, if a power source such as a battery isnot placed within the light intensity controller, the push button maystill be depressed to allow modification of the light intensity of alight fixture. Thus, the light intensity controller may still be used tocontrol the intensity levels of light fixtures even when the controllerdoes not have power.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and arenot meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or theclaims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in apermissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather thanthe mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words“include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limitedto. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used,where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention,other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof, which is only limited by thescope of the claims that follow. For example, the present inventioncontemplates that any of the features shown in any of the embodimentsdescribed herein, or incorporated by reference herein, may beincorporated with any of the features shown in any of the otherembodiments described herein, or incorporated by reference herein, andstill fall within the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A landscape lighting system comprising: a lightfixture including an LED; a first light diverting element having a firstlight diversion angle associated therewith; a second light divertingelement having a second light diversion angle associated therewith thatis different than the first light diversion angle, wherein said firstand second light diverting elements are interchangeable, and whereinonly one of said first and second light diverting elements are securedover said LED at any one time; a light intensity controller forcommunicating with said light fixture to selectively control theintensity of the light generated by said LED.
 2. The landscape lightingsystem as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of lightfixtures; each said light fixture including an LED; each said lightfixture comprising a first light diverting element having the firstlight diversion angle associated therewith, and a second light divertingelement having the second light diversion angle associated therewiththat is different than the first light diversion angle.
 3. The landscapelighting system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said light intensitycontroller is adapted to increase and decrease the intensity level ofonly one of said light fixtures at any one time.
 4. The landscapelighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light intensitycontroller includes a control element that enables an operator toselectively increase and decrease the intensity level of the lightgenerated by said LED, and wherein said light intensity controllerincludes indicia provided thereon that indicate the intensity level ofthe light generated by said LED.
 5. The landscape lighting system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said light fixture comprises an LED driverfor controlling operation of said LED.
 6. The landscape lighting systemas claimed in claim 5, wherein said light intensity controller is inwireless communication with said LED driver.
 7. The landscape lightingsystem as claimed in claim 6, wherein said wireless communicationcomprises infrared communication.
 8. The landscape lighting system asclaimed in claim 2, wherein said light intensity controller is hand heldand is adapted for being in communication of only one of said lightfixtures at any one time.
 9. The landscape lighting system as claimed inclaim 2, wherein each said light fixture comprises an anchoring elementfor securing said light fixtures at selected locations.
 10. Thelandscape lighting system as claimed in claim 2, wherein each said lightfixture comprises an articulating knuckle that enables said lightfixture to be positioned at different angles.
 11. The landscape lightingsystem as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a glare shield mountedon said light fixture; a glare shield fastener for securing said glareshield to said light fixture.
 12. The landscape lighting system asclaimed in claim 11, wherein said glare shield rotates and movestelescopically relative to said light fixture, and wherein said glareshield fastener is tightened for preventing further rotation ortelescopic movement of said glare shield relative to said light fixture.13. The landscape lighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein one ofsaid first and second light diverting element has a light diversionangle of about 36 degrees, and the other one of said first and secondlight diverting elements has a light diversion angle of about 60degrees.
 14. A landscape lighting system comprising: a light fixtureincluding at least one LED and an LED driver electrically interconnectedwith said at least one LED for controlling operation of said at leastone LED; a plurality of interchangeable light diverting elements adaptedto be secured over said at least one LED, wherein each said lightdiverting element has a unique light diversion angle associatedtherewith; a glare shield mounted on said light fixture, wherein saidglare shield rotates and moves telescopically relative to said lightfixture; a light intensity controller in communication with said LEDdriver, wherein said light intensity controller includes a controlelement that enables an operator to selectively increase and decreasethe intensity of the light generated by said at least one LED.
 15. Thelandscape lighting system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said pluralityof interchangeable light diverting elements comprise a first lightdiverting element having a light diversion angle of about 60 degrees anda second light diverting element having a light diversion angle of about36 degrees.
 16. The landscape lighting system as claimed in claim 14,wherein said light intensity controller includes indicia providedthereon that indicate the intensity level of the light generated by saidlight fixture, and wherein said light intensity controller is inwireless or infrared communication with said light fixture.
 17. Thelandscape lighting system as claimed in claim 14, further comprising aplurality of light fixtures, wherein said light intensity controller isadapted to communicate with each said light fixture for selectivelyincreasing and decreasing the intensity level of the light generated byeach said light fixture, and wherein said light intensity controller isin communication with only one of said light fixtures at any one time.18. A method of controlling the light generated by a light fixturecomprising: providing a light fixture including an LED and an LED driverelectrically interconnected with said LED for controlling operation ofsaid LED; providing a first light diverting element having a first lightdiversion angle associated therewith; providing a second light divertingelement having a second light diversion angle associated therewith thatis different than the first light diversion angle; providing a lightintensity controller adapted to communicate with said light fixture,wherein said light intensity controller is in wireless or infraredcommunication with said light fixture; providing a light fixture controlcircuit for selectively increasing and decreasing the intensity of thelight generated by said LED.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 18,further comprising: securing said first light diverting element to saidlight fixture so that said first light diverting element overlies saidLED; using said light intensity controller for operating said lightfixture control circuit for changing the intensity of the lightgenerated by said LED.
 20. The method as claimed in claim 19, furthercomprising: removing said first light diverting element from said lightfixture; and securing said second light diverting element to said lightfixture so that said second light diverting element overlies said LED.